Brake pipes

[Telegram Sam]

The car failed the MOT this time due to a corroded brake pipe, not an unusual event nor that difficult to put right. The MOT man winged that he couldn't check the other brake pipes cos I'd gone to the trouble of making sure that they were all properly undersealed. But this then prompted the thought that perhaps they should be left exposed precisely so that when the condition deteriorates, this is obvious and corrective action can be applied?

[btcctroy]

Exactly

[Robsey]

It is down to examiner's discretion / interpretation of the rules.

Ideally he wants to be able to see clearly that all pipework is secure and free from leaks and corrosion.

If the pipes are caked in goo, then he cannot see them properly.
He would not be able to fail the car if he "cannot see" any problems,
but it leaves you at risk of a "hidden" problem.

When it comes to safety items - it is better to ensure that potential problems can be seen and therefore addressed before they have chance to become a problem.

[Telegram Sam]

That was my line of thought. Is there some transparent goo that would give protection but still allow defects to become visible?

[btcctroy]

I hate waxoil underseal. Looks a mess, its old hat but there is more modern coatings that do the job so much better

[btcctroy]

Copper brakes lines are better

[Robsey]

Nope - nothing that dries clear that I know of.
Apart from that white "marvin" glue at junior school in the seventies.
That used to dry clear, but I feel that it would not suit this application.
ha ha.

I used to lightly coat my pipes with coppaslip.
My mechanic never complained about the coppaslip.

Opaque black glopp would be a totally different story.

[Telegram Sam]

I dunno what the standard default material is but copper sounds better if available. Stainless steel ???
Or Vaseline?

[ilovedmymantas]

If you use a tar based underseal on fuel and brake pipes then even a pinhole leak will be obvious.
Best of both - protection & detection

[Envoy CDX]

I'd rather replace my brake lines every 3-4 years and KNOW than try and prevent the corrosion and wonder..

Just saying.

There is nothing worse than having to try and replace a brake line that is gooped up with tar / bitsuimin / grease and so on whilst you're also dealing with brake fluid at the same time.

[btcctroy]

I'd rather replace my brake lines every 3-4 years and KNOW than try and prevent the corrosion and wonder..

Just saying.

There is nothing worse than having to try and replace a brake line that is gooped up with tar / bitsuimin / grease and so on whilst you're also dealing with brake fluid at the same time.

Totally agree
Although I'd like to think my kunifer pipes would last longer than 3-4 years lol.

[Envoy CDX]

I'd rather replace my brake lines every 3-4 years and KNOW than try and prevent the corrosion and wonder..

Just saying.

There is nothing worse than having to try and replace a brake line that is gooped up with tar / bitsuimin / grease and so on whilst you're also dealing with brake fluid at the same time.

Totally agree
Although I'd like to think my kunifer pipes would last longer than 3-4 years lol.

You know what I mean though

[Telegram Sam]

How would you rate any / all of the following:

http://www.stoptech.com/products/stainl ... rake-lines

http://www.brake-lines.co.uk/create-you ... tAodZvwFHw

http://www.brake-lines.co.uk/hel-brake- ... -1992.html

I think these are all stainless steel. Kunifer would be a new one on me.

[Envoy CDX]

Ah! Are you talking about the lines, or the flexi hoses?

[Telegram Sam]

TBH I hadn't drawn the distinction. Idea simply to replace the bits in the braking system that are prone to corrode with SS components that aren't. I'd assumed you could do this for the lot?

[Envoy CDX]

TBH I hadn't drawn the distinction. Idea simply to replace the bits in the braking system that are prone to corrode with SS components that aren't. I'd assumed you could do this for the lot?

Never seen it done if I am honest.
The flexi pipes are purely there where there needs to be flex. rear axle and front wheels.
If you want to replace the lot, I'd use Goodridge hoses and then kunnifer pipes for all the lines.

[Telegram Sam]

Are they all equally exposed / likely to corrode or is there more of a case for replacing either the flexi bits or the pipes?

[Envoy CDX]

Are they all equally exposed / likely to corrode or is there more of a case for replacing either the flexi bits or the pipes?

they are just as equally exposed, but the only time you'd replace them is if they failed, or were pitted.
However, if you've never had a flexi replaced so far, I'm impressed. However, upgrading the flexi's may give you that better pedal / braking experience you were talking about.

[Telegram Sam]

I'd be equally "impressed"...! [231 K miles last time I looked]

I think I will investigate replacing both, depending on the condition, with SS and/or Goodrich + kunnifer.

[Telegram Sam]

Any reason for not replacing either just the rigids or just the flexies if it turns out that the cost of doing the lot is excessive?

[Envoy CDX]

Any reason for not replacing either just the rigids or just the flexies if it turns out that the cost of doing the lot is excessive?

Yeah, if they don't need doing, don't touch them

[planetc]

White spray grease adds a little protection without the mess, top up annually.

[Super89]

Try them out.
http://www.helperformance.com/

If not use clear spray grease, Comma or Wurth seem to be the best i have used.